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Progressive bilateral lipoma arborescens of the knee complicated by juvenile spondyloarthropathy: a case report and review of the literature

Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2013 Oct;43(2):259-63. doi: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2012.12.022. Epub 2013 Jan 24.

Abstract

Objectives: To report an unusual case of lipoma aborescens (LA) presented in a patient with treatment-responsive juvenile spondyloarthropathy (JSPA) and to summarize the clinical manifestations, therapy and prognosis of LA by literature review.

Methods: We report an atypical case of a 17-year-old patient with an initial presentation of juvenile spondyloarthropathy, whose inflammatory condition was improved successfully by traditional anti-rheumatic drugs and an anti-TNF alpha agent but developed progressive swelling of bilateral knees. Lipoma arborescens were diagnosed in each knee by synovial biopsy obtained by arthroscopic surgery. Fifty-one cases of LA have been reported and are reviewed in detail.

Results: Clinically, LA could present as monoarthritis or oligoarthritis. The lateral compartment of the knee is the most common site of involvement. Several cases were reported as a comorbidity of inflammatory diseases, but were not improved by anti-inflammatory therapy. Most patients were diagnosed by classic MRI and biopsy findings. The lesions can be managed by open or arthroscopic surgery, but a minority of the cases may have reoccurrence in the same or opposite joint.

Conclusions: LA is a very rare lesion of the synovial and bursal tissue with an unknown etiology. It is considered to be a benign proliferation of the synovial fat associated with trauma, degenerative or inflammatory conditions. LA should be considered as a secondary or comorbid condition in inflammatory arthropathies if other joints respond well to intensive therapy and one or more do not.

Keywords: Diagnosis; Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA); Juvenile spondyloarthropathy (JSPA); Lipoma arborescens; Therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Arthroscopy
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Knee Joint / pathology*
  • Knee Joint / surgery
  • Lipoma / complications*
  • Lipoma / pathology
  • Lipoma / surgery
  • Spondylarthropathies / complications*
  • Spondylarthropathies / pathology
  • Spondylarthropathies / surgery
  • Treatment Outcome